In Dili, East Timor, tens of thousands of people gathered in Tacitolu park for a Mass led by Pope Francis. The park, once used by Indonesian troops to dispose of bodies, is now called the “Park of Peace” and features a statue of St. John Paul II, who visited in 1989 to support the Timorese fight for independence from Indonesia’s oppressive rule. Francis follows in John Paul’s steps to encourage the nation, which gained independence in 2002 but remains one of the world’s poorest countries, with 42% of the population living below the poverty line.
Despite economic challenges like high unemployment and limited formal job opportunities, the overwhelmingly Catholic Timorese displayed deep faith, with around 97% of the population being Catholic. They warmly welcomed the first visit by a pope to their independent nation, showcasing their devotion and gratitude towards the Catholic Church for its role during their independence struggle. In preparation for the Mass, hundreds of thousands of people lined up early morning to enter the park, with estimates suggesting attendance numbers as high as 750,000.
The historic visit also brought back memories of John Paul II’s 1989 Mass that made headlines due to a riot breaking out at the end. The riot, involving clashes with Indonesian police, highlighted the Timorese’s desire for independence and drew international attention to their plight. Despite the challenges faced by East Timor, Francis commended the country for the progress made since independence and called for continuous efforts to strengthen public institutions and support the most vulnerable communities.
During his visit, Francis emphasized caring for the needy, visiting a home for disabled children and praising the dedication of clergy and religious sisters in the church. He highlighted the importance of respecting women’s dignity and their role in taking care of the most vulnerable in society. Francis shared moments with individuals like an 89-year-old catechist battling Parkinson’s disease, commending his unwavering faith and dedication.
The historic significance of the Pope’s visit to East Timor resonates with the nation’s journey to independence and its ongoing efforts to improve the lives of its people. Despite challenges, the visit symbolizes a renewed sense of hope and faith for a prosperous future for East Timor.
